Monrovia Council: Electronic Fuel Price Signs at Gas Stations; Madison Fire; Interim City Manager

At its Sept. 17 meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/V1jJuR ), the Monrovia City Council will ...

~ Consider an amendment to city code to allow service stations to have electronic fuel price signs on ground signs ("monument" signs) no more than six feet high and with illumination that does not impair people's vision. City staff recommends approval. http://goo.gl/4viTKK

~ Hear an update on "Madison Fire Remediation Measures." The staff report gives no detail, but I assume it is this: http://goo.gl/no9YO9

~ Meet in closed session to discuss an interim city manager, and for labor negotiations with the firefighters ( http://goo.gl/f4f9Pp ). And, actually, the day before, Sept. 16, there'll be another closed session about an interim city manager ( http://goo.gl/kvTr2d ).

- Brad Haugaard

County to Build Debris Wall at the North End of Highland Place

LA County Public Works will build a temporary debris wall - to protect against mudflows - on Monrovia city property at the north end of Highland Place, where the vegetation was burned off because of the Madison fire.

The wall will be made of timber, designed to let water flow through, but not large rock, dirt and other hillside debris. It will be in place for approximately five years to allow vegetation to grow back.

There will be a public forum on Thursday, September 19, 7 p.m. at the Library Community Room to discuss the project. For further information call (626) 932-5575 or email pwcomments@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

Source: http://goo.gl/no9YO9

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Fighting Females x2; Stolen Honda

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Sept. 9–11. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 498 service events, resulting in 87 investigations.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon – Suspect Arrested

September 9 at 7:18 p.m., an officer responded to a residence in the 1700 block of South Mayflower regarding the report of two females fighting. Upon arrival, one of the females was bleeding from a head injury. Further investigation revealed the subject was hit in the head with a full beer can by the other female during the dispute. The suspect was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon.

Grand Theft Auto

September 10 at 7:16 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 200 block of East Cypress. The vehicle is a red, 1993 Honda Del Sol. The vehicle was parked on the street. The investigation is continuing.

Fight in Progress / Threatening With a Knife

September 11 at 8:37 p.m., police dispatch received a 9–1–1 call from a residence in the 100 block of Los Angeles. The caller stated a female subject inside the residence was threatening one of the family members with a knife. Officers responded, along with the Foothill Air Support Team helicopter, to the residence. The victim was outside the residence when officers arrived and said she wanted nothing done about the incident. The other subjects inside the residence were uncooperative and refused to come outside.

After a short period, officers were eventually able to talk the subjects out of the residence. They were unable to confirm a crime had occurred, due to uncooperative and conflicting statements. All subjects were identified.

City Manager Recruitment Process

An announcement about the city manager recruitment process:

The Mayor and City Council met in closed session yesterday afternoon regarding the transition to a new City Manager.  Council have identified some strong candidates from outside the organization who are interested in serving as Interim City Manager.  The Mayor and City Council plan to meet with these candidates early next week and they hope to announce their decision shortly thereafter.  The plan is to have an experienced Interim City Manager on board well before Ms. Lile's  retirement date so that she can work with that individual to facilitate a smooth transition.

The City Attorney has been instructed to solicit proposals from well-qualified professional recruiters to find a consultant who will quickly start a broad search for Monrovia’s next City Manager.  It is the City Council’s intent to have that search underway by the beginning of October.  In the short-term, the Mayor and City Council will be meeting further to define their expectations of the new City Manager and they have asked staff to provide data regarding comparable compensation packages to ensure that this position is attractive to a broad range of highly-qualified candidates.

It is Council's  intent to keep the community, staff and stakeholders informed of progress as this process  moves forward, as much as possible respecting the privacy of employment candidates.

Source: City Council member Becky Shevlin

- Brad Haugaard

Biker Rob Hammond Crosses Border Into California

Canada-to-Mexico bicycle rider Biker Rob Hammond - former Monrovia Mayor and current school board member - has crossed the Oregon border into California. Near Smith River Indian Reservation at the moment.

- Brad Haugaard

School Board Member Alex Zucco Kicks Off Reelection Campaign

Incumbent School Board Member Alex Zucco is kicking off her re-election bid with an invitation to Monrovians for a gathering this Sunday, Sept. 15, from 4-6 p.m. at her home, at 447 N. Encinitas Ave.

[Note: I will be happy to post information about other candidates' events, but you gotta send it to me.]

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Trader Joe's Drops Healthcare for Some Part-Timers

Monrovia-based Trader Joe's markets is dropping health coverage for part timers who work fewer than 30 hours. Because of Obamacare. http://goo.gl/ikyhTC

- Brad Haugaard

Homeless in the Park

Former Monrovia City Council candidate Robert Parry writes about homeless people in Library Park. http://goo.gl/BELbXb

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Public Information Officer Moves On | Student is National Merit Semifinalist

~ Monrovia Public Information Officer, Jennifer McLain, is moving on. She has a new job with the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership. http://goo.gl/bLdWGY

~ Monrovia High student named one of 16,000 National Merit Scholarship semifinalists. http://goo.gl/ANRSvK

- Brad Haugaard

Hammond More Than Halfway Through Oregon

After a tumble on his Canada-to-Mexico ride, Biker Rob Hammond - former Monrovia Mayor and current school board member - is back on his bike heading south. Currently he is a bit north of Coos Bay, Oregon, more than halfway through the state.

- Brad Haugaard

Juvolicious Moves In | Make Money From Your Computer | Lone Drivers in Carpool Lane?

~ Juvolicious has apparently moved in to the old Dogwoods on Foothill. It is "a venture funded ecommerce company that purchases popular consumer products from manufacturers and wholesalers across the United States​."

~ Free workshop on high-demand businesses you can run from your computer. "Using Your Computer to Make Money," 6:30-8:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 17 at the Library Community Room. Registration form: http://goo.gl/4z2WIB

~ Lone drivers could use 210 and 134 carpool lanes if bill is signed by Governor Brown. http://goo.gl/mdxrcs

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Legislator's Bill Requires State Agencies to Buy Californian if the Price is Right

Lawmakers today gave final approval to Assemblymember Chris Holden's bill to require state agencies - such as public hospitals, prisons and public schools - to purchase agricultural products from California companies if the price is equal to or less than the lowest out-of-state company. AB 199 now goes to Governor Brown for his signature. He has until Oct. 13 to sign or veto.

Source: Holden press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Whistling Leads to Fight; Slamming the Freezer Door; Switching Stolen Trucks; Lockdown; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Sept. 5-9. - Brad Haugaard]

 

Following are the weekend's highlighted issues and events.

 

Battery / Vandalism / Driving Under the Influence – Suspects Arrested

September 6 at 2:09 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 200 block of South Madison on the report of a male suspect attempting to enter the victim's home by kicking in the door and breaking a window.  Officers arrived and saw two suspects fleeing from the residence in a vehicle.  A felony stop was conducted on the vehicle and two male suspects were detained.  

 

Through investigation, it was learned that the victim and his girlfriend were walking to their apartment.  They walked by a vehicle occupied by two male subjects and the passenger whistled and made comments to the victim's girlfriend.  The victim told the suspect to leave them alone.  The passenger exited the vehicle and ran after them; a fight ensued.  The victim got away from the suspect and ran into the apartment.  The suspect then tried to force the door of the apartment open.  Not succeeding, he punched and broke a glass window with his hand, cutting his hand in the process.  The victim told the suspect they had called the police and the suspect fled.

 

The passenger was arrested for battery and vandalism.  The driver of the vehicle was determined to be under the influence and was arrested for DUI.

 

Possession of a Controlled Substance / Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested

September 7 at 1:14 a.m., an officer observed a female subject in a parking lot of a business in the 400 block of South Myrtle.  The officer contacted the subject and determined that she was under the influence of a controlled substance.  She admitted to being under the influence of methamphetamine.  She was arrested and taken into custody.

 

Battery – Suspect Arrested

September 7 at 12:31 p.m., a female adult entered a business in the 200 block of West Foothill and wanted to purchase alcohol.  The clerk asked for identification and the female became irate.  A customer told the female to stop yelling at the clerk; the female pushed and struck the customer with a clenched fist.  The clerk jumped in and tried to push the female out of the store.  The female struck the clerk and tore his shirt in the process.  The female fled and the clerk called police.  Officers arrived and located the female suspect down the street.  The clerk made a citizen's arrest and the suspect was taken into custody.

 

Battery – Suspect Arrested

September 7 at 1:06 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 500 block of South Shamrock regarding an argument between the owner and an employee.  They were arguing because the employee had slammed the freezer door.  The argument escalated and the employee pushed the owner; the owner fired him on the spot and called police.  The owner made a citizen's arrest and the employee was taken into custody for battery.

 

Commercial Burglary / Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor – Suspects Arrested

September 7 at 5:05 p.m., a male adult and female juvenile were seen inside a business in the 500 block of West Huntington, selecting merchandise, removing price tags and placing the merchandise inside a duffle bag.  The police were notified and the suspects were detained outside the store by officers.  A computer check revealed the juvenile was a runaway with a no-bail warrant.  The adult was arrested and charged with burglary and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

 

Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance / Warrant – Suspect Arrested

September 8 at 5:34 a.m., officers responded to the 100 block of East Central regarding a suspicious person.  They arrived and contacted a female who was under the influence of a narcotic.  A computer check revealed the subject had an outstanding no-bail warrant and is on probation.  She was arrested for the warrant and for being under the influence of a controlled substance.

 

Grand Theft Auto

September 8 at 7:40 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 100 block of West Cherry.  The vehicle is a 1987 GMC truck and it was taken from the victim's driveway.  The victim has accounted for all of the keys.  The investigation is continuing.

 

Recovered Stolen Vehicle

September 8 at 9:05 a.m., shortly after police received the above grand theft auto report on West Cherry, they recovered a 1979 Chevy pickup on East Central.  It is believed the suspect(s) abandoned the Chevy and then took the GMC.  The investigation is continuing.

 

9-1-1 Call Leads to Lockdown at Santa Fe Middle School

September 9 at approximately 2:00 p.m., a male caller phoned the Monrovia Police Dispatch Center on 9-1-1.  He told the dispatcher he was on campus at Santa Fe Middle School and had an AK-47.

                                                          

The Monrovia Police Department activated a well practiced contingency plan for this type of event and surrounded the school.  Monrovia police officers, with assistance from our law enforcement partners in neighboring cities, surrounded the campus and locked down the student body.  The students sheltered in place in their classrooms.

 

Monrovia officers cleared the campus and completed the systematic evacuation of the classrooms to ensure the safety of the students.  After the classrooms were cleared, it was determined this incident was not a credible threat and no gunman had been on campus.  An investigation will try to identify the caller.

 

The Monrovia Police Department reminds everyone to call your local police agency if you see anything on a school campus that appears out of place.

 

 

Rangers Get Electric Bikes | Monrovia's STAAR Surgical Gets New CFO

~ Monrovia park rangers get electric bikes. http://goo.gl/tl7Eq2

~ Monrovia's STAAR Surgical Company, a developer of implantable lenses for the eye, has hired Stephen P. Brown as chief financial officer. Brown comes from Bausch & Lomb Surgical. http://goo.gl/lnuLCS

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia City Council to Consider Interim City Manager

This coming Wednesday the Monrovia City Council will meet in closed session to consider whom to appoint as interim city manager, since City Manager Laurie Lile is retiring. (Agenda: http://goo.gl/a7s6lZ )

- Brad Haugaard

Nominate Worthy Monrovians

Monrovia Chamber of Commerce is opening nominations for three annual awards: the Iris Award (Monrovia Citizen of the Year), Monroe Award (Businessperson of the Year), and Dick Lord Award (Outstanding Chamber of Commerce member). Deadline for turning in nominations is Friday, October 15.

If you'd like to nominate someone, here are the forms:

Iris - http://goo.gl/TpU7zL

Monroe - http://goo.gl/GoZ5Ow

Dick Lord - http://goo.gl/1Kp4jC

- Brad Haugaard

First Time in History - Monrovia High Girls Beat La Canada Girls' Volleyball Team

From a very excited Monrovia High announcement:

"Extra, Extra, Hear all about it! Unbelievable! Monrovia High Girls Volleyball made history this weekend by defeating La Canada Girls' Volleyball team for the first time in Monrovia High History!!! Winning in 3 straight sets (3-0). Scores were 25-21, 25-21, 25-23! Every player contributed to the unbelievable win! Could this be the season? Could this team be the first to bring the Rio Hondo League Banner?"

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Assemblyman Trying to Prevent Completion of 710 Through South Pas

On his Facebook page, Assemblyman Chris Holden, who represents Monrovia, writes: "I want to thank Sen. Carol Liu for her leadership on legislation to ensure the timely sale of "surplus homes" currently owned by Cal Trans in the Pasadena-South Pas - East LA 710 corridor. SB 416, which I am co-authoring made it out of the Assembly late Friday, and also eliminates a proposed surface route from consideration."

The Monrovia City Council recently voted to support completion of the route.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Assemblyman's Airport Car-Rental Financing Bill Passes Senate

With bi-partisan support, the State Senate has passed Assembly Member Chris Holden's AB 359, to simplify airport car rental facility financing.

Under existing law, California airports seeking to finance the construction of large rental car facilities with a customer surcharge must have an independent financial audit every three years during the life of the bond to determine the reasonableness of the fee.

AB 359 will allow airports to submit audits they already perform to satisfy the law.

The measure goes back to the Assembly for approval of amendments before heading to the Governor for his signature.

Source: Holden press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Firm Gets $36.7 Million Order

Monrovia's AeroVironment gets $36.7 million order for Switchblade drones from the Army. http://goo.gl/OTn5HS

- Brad Haugaard